Issachar

Issachar was the ninth son of Israel (or 'Jacob') and the fifth son of Leah (Gen. 30:18; 35:23; 46:13; 1 Chr. 2:1). His name means "man of reward" or "there is reward", referring to Leah's belief that God rewarded her for giving her maidservant to Jacob (Gen. 30:18).

Issachar had four sons: Tola, Puvah, Job (or Jashub), and Shimron (Gen. 46:13; Num. 26:23-24; 1 Chr. 7:1). His descendants became one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

In Jacob's blessing, Issachar was described as a "strong donkey" and "resting between the sheepfolds", indicating his tribe would be hardworking and content with an agrarian life (Gen. 49:14-15).

During the wilderness years, the tribe of Issachar was led by Nethanel son of Zuar (Num. 1:8; 2:5; 7:18; 10:15). They encamped on the east side of the tabernacle under the standard of Judah (Num. 2:5).

In the census taken in the wilderness of Sinai, the tribe of Issachar numbered 54,400 men aged 20 and over (Num. 1:28-29). In the second census on the plains of Moab they numbered 64,300 (Num. 26:25).

Issachar's allotment in Canaan included the fertile Jezreel Valley and was bordered by Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun and Jordan (Josh. 19:17-23). The Levitical cities in Issachar's territory were Kishion, Daberath, Jarmuth and En-gannim (Josh. 21:28-29).

The tribe of Issachar was commended for providing wise leadership during the time of David (1 Chr. 12:32). One of David's officers, Omri son of Michael, was from Issachar (1 Chr. 27:18). The tribe is also noted for being faithful to Hezekiah's Passover invitation (2 Chr. 30:18).

In Ezekiel's vision of the division of the restored land, Issachar is allotted the sixth portion (Ezek. 48:25-26). In John's apocalyptic vision, Issachar is one of the tribes sealed by God (Rev. 7:7).